Heather and Homicide: The Highland Bookshop Mystery Series: Book 4

Highland Bookshop Mystery #4

by Molly MacRae

The new novel in the acclaimed Highland Bookshop mystery series finds a true-crime author murdered in the charming seacoast town of Inversgail—can the women of Yon Bonnie Books discover the killer’s identity before he or she strikes again?

True crime writer Heather Kilbride arrives in the seacoast town of Inversgail, Scotland, to research a recent murder for her new book. But if that’s true, why does she seem more interested in William Clark, a shadowy lawyer with no connection to the murder? Her nosy questions arouse the suspicions of Constable Hobbs, the members of a local writers’ group, and Janet Marsh and her crew of amateur sleuths at Yon Bonnie Books.

Heather’s unconventional research methods prove deadly when Janet discovers her lifeless body. Except the “body” turns out to be a dummy dressed-up to look like Heather. Meanwhile, Heather is sitting at a safe distance observing Janet’s reactions.

Then Heather is found dead—again—sprawled at the base of an ancient standing stone; and this time it’s for real. Clutched in her hand is a valuable miniature book last seen at Yon Bonnie Books, and now the police want to know how Heather, the miniature book, and Janet are all connected. But Janet and her group of sleuths have two questions of their own: Who else is interested in knowing that connection—and is that person a cold-blooded killer?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Scotland, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Books About Books

288 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2020

About the author

Molly MacRae spent twenty years in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Upper East Tennessee, where she managed The Book Place, an independent bookstore; may it rest in peace.

Before the lure of books hooked her, she was curator of the history museum in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town.

MacRae lives with her family in Champaign, Illinois, where she connects children with books at the public library.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the prior, but still kind of an odd reveal. Too many main characters holding back clues from each other for silly reasons. But as always, a fun read, good for picking up Scottish words, and nice scenery.

Best if read one after the other.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just so cozy it was catatonic

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the series to this point. I don't know if more books will follow, but I hope so. I didn't know cozy mysteries was a legitimate category, and I have always been turned off by covers with cats on them. LOL But thankfully these covers were just lovely, and I am so glad I dove in.

The Scones were in the dark as much as the reader through this story. My heart goes out to Janet, and I really resonate with her. I wish I sounded like Christine and had her Queen Elizabeth attitude when I need it. Tally and Summer are sweet, intelligent, and I am hopeful for them. I don't know how many murders the small town can take, but I'm glad they are there to help Norman solve them.

Heather is an interesting character and it took me a while to learn whether I could trust her or not. I'm not clear fully of some of the choices she made, but, like the Scones, I think in the end I liked her.

[Mirhanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a cute little book. I really enjoyed it.

[Melissa]

I generally prefer it when these mysteries have the murder early, the solution is what I'm interested in. I see why this book waited until halfway through; we get to know the victim. But mostly I think it just made the book muddy. Too many holes, too many different strings that I don't think got wrapped up quite right.
Fine ending, but rushed for the same reason, not enough book left.

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to armchair travel through my cozy mysteries so this Highland setting is sublime! And it's enhanced by Lucy Paterson's entertaining narration. Made me feel like I was sitting in a cozy chair in the corner of the bookshop soaking up the atmosphere and watching all the village shenanigans. This is a story as steeped in the characters as it is in the mystery so readers who like their murder front and centre from the get-go might be a tad disappointed. I found the meandering approach to murder charming though, and was blissfully happy all the read through.

The amateur sleuths in this series are four American transplants who have opened a bookshop / tearoom in Scotland. They vary in ages and temperaments and life experience which makes them a powerhouse detective team -- a talented combo of librarian, social worker, lawyer and journalist. Because of this group dynamic it might be best to read this series in order so you get all the back stories and life circumstances straight.

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and had to put it on the highest speed to get through it. The repetition was excessive and the storyline was boring. I love this author but this was a true slog even at 2.00x.

[Jenny Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 4 was far, far better than the last book in the series. I'd almost given up on the characters and their muddled way of detecting after Book 3.

Book 4 showed promise. The characters were more likeable, though they still aren't very well defined. I don't feel like you ever really get to know any of them as actual real people. The mystery was much better, too, though it was still a bit overly complicated. You never get good clues that allow you to figure out the murderer before the conclusion smacks you in the face.

I'll give Book 5 a shot when it comes out. Book 4 gave me hope that the author is finally trending in the right direction.

[Joe Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you need a comfort read and this series has always hit the spot for me. Cozy mysteries are like visiting old friends and places with the occasional murder or two thrown in. Here, we pick up shortly after the last book and if you enjoyed that one or any of the other previous ones you will enjoy this as well.

[Lauryn Sasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightfully entertaining entry in the Highland Bookshop Mystery Series, Heather and Homicide sees our four plucky heroines integrate more deeply into the daily life and doings of Inversgail.

Taking place mere months after the closing of Book 3 (Thistles and Thieves), Janet and Co. are settling even more comfortably into their roles as proprietors of Yon Bonnie Books and Cakes & Tales. As usual, MacRae deftly and subtly creates such a believable and cozy world in this book. Her narration is so pleasant and her characterization so strong that before you know it, you're 50 pages in and feel like you've been living in that little Highland town with Janet, Tallie, Summer, and Christine.

The familiar cast of local supporting characters is back - from nosy neighbor Ian to Sharon the librarian to DC Hobbs, as well as weaselly Inspector Russell (all deployed to great comic effect). One thing that was new in this book was that there was a POV shift in the narration at a few key points.

All previous books in the series were told from Janet's perspective - and 95% of this one is as well. But for the first time, MacRae follows another character for a few small sections, letting us see their thoughts and motivations. Because of certain plot elements, this was necessary - it allowed us to know things that Janet didn't/couldn't yet. I would love to see more of this technique in future books in the series.

The only complaint I have, and it is minor, is that very close to the end - within the final 10 pages or so - Janet clearly has all the pieces in place to put things together and solve the mystery. CLEARLY - this is not just me as the reader getting ahead of the plot. Janet herself almost comments on something Christine says that shows she should be able to sort it out - yet there is another chapter and a jump to the next day before she solves it, and I couldn't figure out a truly good reason for that.

But it's a small flaw in an as yet otherwise really enjoyable book - though I think Thistles and Thieves is the best in the series so far, this is another delightful Scottish adventure. A good way to while away an evening. Drift away into the Scottish Highlands and spend some time imagining yourself owning a wee bookshop...I know I have!!

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Highland bookshop mystery series, book 4.

Janet, Marsh, her daughter Tallie best friend Christine, and Tallie’s former college roommate. Summer are thriving since moving from Illinois to inverse Gail Scotland, and becoming the owners of Yon Bonnie Books, with its Cakes and Tales tearoom, and Bedtime Stories B&B above it. They have also built a reputation for adding the local law enforcement and solving murders. Combining their former job skill, Janet’s research abilities as a librarian, Christine’s understanding of people as a school social worker, Tallie’s legal expertise and Summer’s deep curiousity and reporting experience as well as her baking talents make them an powerful team.
When biking past a former murder scene, Janet discovers another body, only to discover that a young woman has staged a dummy to represent the body that Janet had found previously. Janet is furious, and the young woman explains that she is a true crime writer trying to investigate the case again. Janet is worried about all of the people who will be hurt by this woman’s picking re-opening the wounds of their terrible losses. And thus begins the bizarre behavior of a young woman, putting her self into person provocative circumstances that caused considerable angst among the locals, and seem not to concentrate on the Murray’s case but on something else connected with a recluse lawyer, William Clark who is one of the trustees for one of the murder victims estate. While Janet and her friends, labeled the scones by a former visiting writer, work well with the local constable, Norman, Hobbs, they are scorned by a higher Police officer who is rude and officious.

This was a rather convoluted tale with a number of mysterious characters and red herrings cast into the mix. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the last two and hope that the next ones will be better.

[Alan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. It doesn't take itself too seriously, the Scottish stereotypes are done with genuine fondness for the characters and the setting, and all in all it's just a perfect cozy winter read.

Book 4, and the ladies of Yon Bonnie Books are back - together with the usual array of returning eccentric characters and pets. Not much time has passed since the last murders in Inversgail, and a true-crime writer turns up in the village to investigate the Murray Murder Case, digging up memories and still-fresh wounds. When she soon turns up dead at the local standing stones, and mystery men start to appear, can Janet, Tallie, Christine and Summer solve the case....?

Perfect escapism and a lot of fun, I always look forward to these Molly MacRae books. Just enjoy it!

[P.J. Coldren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this 4th entry in the Highland Bookshop Mystery series. First off, I learned some new words, which is a rare thing at my advanced age; I like that in a book. This is clearly a mystery in the classic tradition of British female authors, vintage Agatha if ever there was one - except no negative stereotypes of the "non-British" cast members. It's not the fastest paced book Ive ever read and that's OK. Sometimes a nice leisurely stroll through a story, a sit back in the easy chair read - it's all good. My one low-grade gripe? The recipe for Basant's chocolate cake is not given, at least not with any specificity. I'd make that anytime.

I won this book - no request for, or assumption of, any kind of review, just s you know. I call 'em as I see 'em.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just barely four stars; I don't think this one is quite as good as the previous ones in the series. But it was still enjoyable. The title is a clever play on words, since the book deals with a woman named Heather. She claims to be a true crime writer, but former librarian Janet cannot find any trace of anything she has written, nor any web presence. But Heather has arrived in town ostensibly to write about a recent murder that Janet and her colleagues helped solve, however her research methods seem rather bizarre. And then there is the elusive William Clark — why does no one seem to know him? Once again the SCONES start putting together questions and clues that come in handy when a body is found. Recommended.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenges: Cloak & Dagger Christmas (Clue) 2020 - Library/References books(2, bookshop, rare books, Chinese thread books); Lizziefaye's Comfy Corner/Serious About Series - Stay current with series (6); Reading Goal Posts/Stacking the Series - Priority One/Level One. Liking this series more and more, especially the secondary characters Rab and Ranger, and Basant. The quirky banter and Scottish expressions can keep you off balance just enough to make you pay close attention to what is going on and hearing the truth behind what is being said. The cover art for the series is cozily sinister and atmospheric, and the setting makes one sigh to be there. A series of friendships and caring about how everyone is getting along.

[Peter Schoch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, this one just read as if the author was tired, had a deadline to meet, and so threw it together. It feels and reads as if everyone and everything is at 6's and 7's. The concept never gels. The characters feel "wrong" -- they don't feel 3D as in the other books in the series, it is almost as if they were "flattened" into formulaic pieces.

Unlike the first 3 books, I wasn't engaged nor did I care. This caused me to skim the last 3 chapters, and portion of the body. In a good book that would be a death sentence, because you'd miss crucial bits, nuances, etc. Here, it just allowed me to more painlessly get to the end. One can only hope this was a one-off fluke and the series will rebound into a better state with the next book.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot/mystery in this book in the series was weak. The quartet of booksellers and teashop owners are prepping for the 125th (?) birthday of the founder of the bookstore and there are some nice preparation and historic notes to go with that, but it is not really related to the mystery. And the "true-crime novelist" in town to write about the murder in book 3 never rings true and dredges up questions/red herrings rather than advances the story. There are some attempts to distinguish the characters of the four--two of them "channel" ancient queens--but otherwise they are a bit amorphous. And the solution to the mystery is pathetic. The desciption of entry #5 in the series sounds a little more intriguing--we'll see.

[Annette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wore me out mentally. It was tedious, and boring. I had previously checked it out from the library but wasn't able to read more than a few chapters before I had to return it. I checked it out again and was determined to finish it this time. I really liked the overall plot, but the way the story was told made it very tedious. I couldn't connect with any of the characters. I just wanted to get to the end and see who the killer was. There was, in my opinion, a lot of unnecessary dialog on topics that didn't add anything to the overall story. It took me 10 days to finish because I kept putting the book down when it overwhelmed me. Reading it was giving me a headache. I usually spend no more than 2-3 days on a book. Ten days was way to much for me.

[Rosie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was way too slow moving. It took about two-thirds of the book before a murder happened. That is waaaay too much set up for me. A book has to be really bad before I just quit reading. I have to say, I came awfully close a few times with this one. I thought the characters had potential in the beginning, but none of them were really developed. The story was simply about endless conversations about questions they would ask “suspects.” Oh, and making lists of said questions for their document “in the cloud.” We all understand cloud storage, but who actually says, “You did add questions about…to the cloud.”? I really wanted to like this book, but I just can’t recommend it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite of this series to date. A true crime writer arrives in the tiny village of Inversgail, claiming she wants to write about a recent local murder. Not everyone is glad to meet her, as feelings about the deaths are still tender. The scenes describing her thoughts make it clear that she's also--or even primarily--trying to find out about her brother's death. The four women who own the local bookstore can't figure out what she's doing in Inversgail, since she hasn't tried to interview some of the main characters involved in the murder. When the writer is found dead, however, they spring into action to find a killer.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the setting, the unique blend of four lead characters and the history the author brings to the books. Learned more or Robert Louis Stevenson this time. The strange and complicated mystery around a "true-crime" author who comes to town and recreates deaths is so convoluted that by 60% of the way through I wanted to skip to the end. I did skim some of the SCONES group conversations and texts of new information "to the cloud" to get to the end.
Surprised at who the killer was and how that wrapped up. More disappointed in the only two pages on the birthday celebration for Stuart Farquhar, who founded the bookstore.

[Janet Rosfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful outing as Janet Marsh and her band of amateur sleuths try to unravel the mystery of a murdered true crime writer. I feel so at home with these characters, Rab and his dog Ranger, Christine and her elderly parents, shrewd Tallie, super baker and reporter Summer, annoying neighbor Ian and of course Librarian extraordinaire, Janet. I recently found out from Ancestry that I'm much less German than I had believed and much more Scottish. That explains my affinity for scones, shortbread, tea and mysteries, also my red hair.
The plot is easily followed with red herrings galore with lots of suspects and quite a bit of humor.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

So boring .almost coma inducing Only way i read it was by skipping pqges,of useless annoying page filler . There is no mystery for more than half the mind numbing pages.


And its not a mystery , just a lot of repetitive blather by 4 bored yentas playing detective. And theyre bad at it as all they do so make lists of questions " for the cloud".

Ps they DONT find the answer / murderer ..its given to them by an aquaintence .


PSS take a drink everytime she says " cloud " you'll get a nice buzz .

Boggles the mind that 1 this is a mystery .2 it gets called clever and humor in reviews
3 its a,series?

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

#4 in The Highland Bookshop Mystery Series. This 2020 series entry by author Molly MacRae is average for the series. Self-proclaimed true crime author Heather Kilbride arrives in Inversgail, Scotland. She stages her death in a way to mimic the murder she is supposed to be investigating but is later found actually dead. The four partners in Yon Bonnie Books look into her death. Their mode of investigating is to independently pose questions and post them to a spreadsheet in the cloud. They then revisit the questions, ad nauseum. Very wordy, but pleasant Scottish atmosphere.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if it was taking me forever to get through this book because it was boring or if it was because I was so tired that I’d rather just sleep every time I picked it up. This is the 4th in a series of which I’ve not read any of the previous books, which is usually ok, but certainly wasn’t here. There were so many characters who were referred to by various names, sometimes first, sometimes last, sometimes initials. None of them really seemed to be secondary characters, so it was confusing and hard to track. After finishing I still can’t tell what happened to the victim.

[Graham Jenkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

As the book says on its back cover: "True crime writer Heather Kilbride arrives in the seacoast town of Inversgail, Scotland, to research a recent murder for her new book.

The problem is that she's a complete nutter whose research methodology involves re-enactment of the crime. I completely lost track of what was happening and how the group of bookshop women sleuths were pursuing who was responsible for her eventual demise.

And I still have no idea about why the person eventually arrested was considered responsible.

[DaShannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at The Book Rack in Murray Kentucky. I always go with a list but this one caught my eye because the spine is beautiful. It lived up to judging the book by the cover and, in this case, the spine. Even though this is #4 in the series I easily picked up without reading the first 3 books. Janet Marsh moved from the States to run Yon Bonnie Books with her daughter and some friends. Janet has apparently been involved with finding bodies before and she seems to have a talent for ferreting out the truth. There are so many lovely parts to this cozy including a miniature book.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

For some reason this novel, about several close females owners of a bookstore with attached English Tea Room who solve crimes just didn’t hook me-at times the narrative felt disjointed- a line of dialogue or an action began didn’t get completed. This setting is very much like the Vicki Delany Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series set in New London on the Cape which features an attached Tea Room and long time female friends who solve mysteries. This detection novel missed the mark for me, the plot seemed overwrought.

[KayDee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good cozy mystery series to read while drinking a cup of tea and eating scones. In this book, Janet finds the "corpse" of a true crime writer. The "corpse" however was observing the scene from the hillside and the "corpse" turned out to be a stuffed rag doll. Janet, not being amused, is even less amused when she comes upon the dead rag doll again, only to find that, this time, it's the real deal. Lots of local Scottish color add to the appeal of this novel and series.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth instalment of the series. It's a trip back to the Scottish Highlands in this book. Where american ex-pats, Janet Marsh, her daughter Tallie, and friend Christine Robertson have taken ownership of Yon Bonnie Books in lnversgail, Scotland. During this case, a true crime author Heather Kilbride comes to town researching a local cold case, for her next book. First dummy in her likeness is found in the bookstore, then her body is actually found.